Sangsuk Sylvia Kang

Sangsuk Sylvia Kang

Sangsuk Sylvia Kang

United States & South Korea

United States & South Korea

United States & South Korea

Series: Queereans

Series: Queereans

Series: Queereans

Despite rapid democratization and a growing #MeToo movement, Korea’s sexual minorities remain subjects of significant stigma. Strict gender roles, filial piety, and an expectation to fit in govern the Korean consciousness, and many believe queerness to be a western import. And in lieu of comprehensive anti-discrimination laws or rights for non-heterosexual couples, queerphobia, erasure, and discrimination has far-reaching roots in South Korea. Such context makes it hard for queer Koreans to exist openly, let alone fight for their rights. But some persist. The project focuses on documenting these individuals-who are out and open, who protest, who create, asserting their right to belong in Korean culture.

Queer artist and activist Heezy Yang eating pizza

Queer artist and activist Heezy Yang eating pizza

Heezy getting ready

Heezy getting ready

Heezy performing a gay wedding in Seoul subway

Heezy performing a gay wedding in Seoul subway

Anti-LGBTQ demonstrators at Daegu Queer Culture Festival

Anti-LGBTQ demonstrators at Daegu Queer Culture Festival

Artist Jungsik Lee with their video piece about living with HIV medication

Artist Jungsik Lee with their video piece about living with HIV medication